'hone' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'hān' (or similar Germanic forms), where it referred to a stone used for sharpening.

'hone' changed from the Old English word 'hān' (and related Germanic terms for a sharpening stone) and continued into Middle English with little change, eventually becoming the modern English 'hone'.

Initially, it meant 'a stone for sharpening', but over time it evolved into meaning 'to sharpen' (verb) and later extended metaphorically to 'to refine or improve' (skills, abilities, plans).